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The Necromancer's Smile #3

Taking Care of Business

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The Necromancer’s Smile: Taking Care of Business
Book three.
(Please note, this is a trilogy covering the same main characters throughout. Reading books one and two is best before reading this one).

When Sy learned that Connor, the young familiar who’d been staying with him, had been captured, he knew immediately that he could find him. After all, what use was it, him being a Necromancer, if he couldn’t locate lost souls. The fact he was hosting Dakar’s parents at the time, shouldn’t have made it an issue. After all, they were pack orientated and understood the need to bring a family member home. Didn’t they?

Dakar had been a loving son for fifty years, so when his mom pitched a fit at him, for being part of the efforts to bring Connor home, he was a wee bit annoyed. Unfortunately, he had bigger things to worry about. A demon had set his sights on his mate, and while that wasn’t as unusual as you might think, this particular demon came with complications.

Everything is coming to a head for this unusual family. A wicked sprite, an off-course priest, and a demoness who isn’t all she appears to be are just some of the hurdles Sy and Dakar will have to cross before they finally get their HEA. And what was a dragon doing in the middle of a field?

This is an MM paranormal romance story and part of a trilogy. It contains men loving men, as well as cheeky spirits, a Necromancer growing in confidence, and a wolf shifter who’s getting more familiar with magic every day.

Trigger warning: One of the sub-plots in this story deals with historic child abuse. If this is an issue for you, please don’t purchase this book.

Previous books in this series:
The Necromancer’s Smile.
The Necromancer’s Smile: A Family Affair.

461 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2019

92 people are currently reading
111 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Oliver

210 books954 followers
Lisa Oliver had been writing non-fiction books for years when visions of half dressed, buff men started invading her dreams. Unable to resist the lure of her stories, Lisa decided to switch to fiction books, and now stories about her men clamor to get out from under her fingertips.
When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor), or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com. If you want to chat with her on Skype, then email for contact details.

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5 stars
264 (55%)
4 stars
155 (32%)
3 stars
51 (10%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Gerbera_Reads.
1,697 reviews155 followers
September 23, 2019
We get to see Dakar and Sy one more time! Their family grew, Sy and Dakar are finally on the same page concerning their relationship but unfortunately not everyone approves or wants them to be together. They have to face magic community and fight all the prejudice and old-fashioned beliefs, face evil demons and keep their loved ones safe. The book is fast-paced, suspenseful and full of magic. There is plenty of affection between lovers and friends, a bit of angst and fights to protect people of Pedace from dark forces with plans of world domination and affectionate spirit with penchant for flirting. I enjoyed this story as much as the other two. Another good one from Lisa Oliver!
Profile Image for Relly.
1,658 reviews29 followers
September 28, 2019
Great end to the series

4 ⭐️

Great end to the series.

Dakar really stepped up in this one and finally has his head out of his butt, he stood by Sy at all times and was a great mate. Dakar’s parents disappointed me big time. I was honestly thinking that being shifters they would be more accepting.

A lot happens in this instalment. There were twists and turns and some unexpected conflict that was resolved well. I enjoyed how everyone of the characters came into themselves and their individual power. There were some surprises.

Brock is still a favourite and Brad is a great match for him.

Over the series I’ve enjoyed seeing Sy’s transformation from the quiet shy individual to the confident man he became as he creates his family unit.
Profile Image for Emmy.
568 reviews12 followers
January 8, 2024
3.25 ⭐


Whole Series Review:

Classic Lisa Oliver, high plot drama, high trashy shenanigans, awful communication among the couple, amazing side characters and all the fun 😂

Not my favourite of her series but still a fun and fast read!


3rd Book on its Own :

As an ending it was ok, but it felt a bit rambly and complicated.

Also I needed Brand and Brock's pov in this series, I'm disappointed we didn't get to see more of their relationship :(

Narrator: John York
Profile Image for llv.
2,325 reviews14 followers
September 20, 2019
Rating: 5 stars
I thought this to be a wonderful ending to the Necromancer series. I absolutely love both Dakar and Sebastian along with Brad and Brock. I loved both relationships and how they stood together to defeat their enemies and obtain their HEA. I was pleased that the abuse mentioned in the blurb was part of the story but wasn’t described in any way. There were secondary characters that I would love to read about in the future. All in all, a really wonderful ending to this series that I would highly recommend. I would definitely read the first two books in the series first; I think you would be lost otherwise.
Profile Image for Stephanie Murillo.
187 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2019
I don't want to give anything away but I will say that I loved this book! Lisa Oliver did another wonderful job bringing all the characters to life. This book was full of surprises and I never knew what was coming next. It was great seeing the story and events progress as well as seeing the evil and idiots put in their place. Well done, Lisa!
Profile Image for Katia Katia.
189 reviews7 followers
December 28, 2021
Comme d'habitude, je n'ai pas été déçue par cette trilogie de Lisa. J'ai adoré l'histoire ainsi que les personnages. Par contre, contrairement aux autres romans de Lisa, la qualité laisse à désirer et une bonne relecture s'impose. Entre les coquilles, les fautes d'orthographes, les mots manquants et les phrases mal traduites, on a l'embarras du choix. Dommage car je lui aurais bien mis 5 étoiles.
Profile Image for Chancey "Does not give out 5's like candy"  Knowles.
1,208 reviews19 followers
December 13, 2020
Rating = Solid 3.5 Mostly due to the story telling
Blurb = (Scale 1-5) 4. 5
My Genre Scale = (Scale 1-5) 4.5
Odds if not your genre = (Scale 1-5) 2 unless in the mood for brain candy

Development of: = (Scale 1-5)
*World = 4 (developed over series)
*Plot = 4
*Characters (scratch below the surface?) = 3

What stood out = The number of times I was thrown out of the book due to a lack of proofing or something. Example: A sentence would start along the lines of, "All those hours spent studying magic users." That would literally be it. I bet there were even more instances than all the ones I noticed, but my brain just automatically filled in the blanks. With context, it was typically easy to fill in the intended words, but it seriously disrupted the flow.

Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for = Liked the previous 2 books

Warnings = Does touch on some very serious subjects and past abuses that may cause issues for some.

Series Notes = 3rd of a Trilogy
*Reading on? N/a
*Reading back to back? No, I read the first 2 around 2 years ago.
*Can be easily read without the previous? Not really. I was a little confused at times with all the names etc... . Even as I continued to read very little came back to me about the previous happenings and support characters. I was given ample info to not feel completely lost. I just Duxbury have anything vested in these characters anymore nor did I really understand their dynamics like I would have if read back to back.
Rating Notes = (SubPlots & HEA)
The characters including many of the supporting ones definitely get their HEA. The climax has some unique little twists to it. Despite the flaws I enjoyed it overall. If not for the number of times I was thrown out, I would have probably given it 4 stars, instead of the 3 for an average read.

**************
Below are my explanations or thoughts on reviewing!
***************
1.Obviously no review can take into account all the various personal pet peeves of readers. But, I do try to take into account the common ones often bemoaned by other reviewers
2. If used in this review, the term Brain candy is not necessarily negative. It has its uses and at times it is my preference when I just want to pass some time; so it does not carry a negative connotation for me - unless I'm expecting the next great novel. (What falls under brain candy? The book is meant for pure entertainment to pass time. It may be formulaic, from an author published quickly like monthly, things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc.. Publishing industries version of pop music. Beach type reads etc... ).
3. Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another type. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read one. I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2020) was a 3.72 average for 1390 books. Which considering, you should be better at picking out books the more you read, I feel is a accurate average. I have over 700 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
83 reviews
April 14, 2022
I loved how all the characters are fully formed and true to themselves in this installment! For once, Dakar isn’t an idiot who lets his prejudices and pride get in the way of his true mating. Sy is fully confident in his abilities and knows he’s worthy of love. Brock relaxes a little (for him). And every character gets their happy ending! I love how a joke about Dakar’s lack of intelligence gets snuck into each book, but the one grandfather York makes is the best - it made me legit laugh out loud.

I did take a star off because there were spelling/grammar mistakes. Like Connor being spelled Conner at one point. And the whole storyline with Dakar’s parents was not thought through and kind of just petered off without a resolution until the very end where it’s just like a note saying “we were wrong” with no explanation for what changed their mind, no apology to Sy or Dakar, etc. Their argument in the first place came out of left field and didn’t make sense. It served no purpose in the book really. Would have been a better read without that conflict.
Profile Image for Emilie.
893 reviews13 followers
Read
July 25, 2020
Dakar thought that his parents were much better than Sy's, but they have their own problems accepting consensual reality. Also there are scheming demons in the picture again. The Big Bad Evil tricks many minor characters. It was kind of a combination of he's good at tricking people, and they don't stop to think.

Same comments about punctuation, etc., as in the previous books in the series, but I still was able to kind of ignore the errors, at least well enough to keep reading and find out what happens. I still enjoyed the main characters. Brock was good, as usual. Dakar's parents have the same trouble with his status in relation to Sy that Dakar had a couple of books ago, and Dakar tries to explain how his thinking has changed. That was an irony.

I thought the sympathetic characters would be outmatched this time, but they kind of tried to work as a team.
675 reviews6 followers
May 13, 2020
A good end to the series

I didn't particularly like the first book in this trilogy because of all the whining, misunderstanding and drama. I really like this author and have absolutely loved all of her other series so after leaving the first book alone for over a year decided to try book 2 . It was better but it was the third book that made me love this author all over again and truly wrapped up the series in a very satisfying way. You really should read the books in order to appreciate the whole story so don't let me discourage you from reading books one and two, just know it pays off in book three.
Profile Image for Chaicha.
82 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2020
4.5
It's so good, just like the other books.
I like how theire relationship hecome more strength.
I like how every characters develop.
But,
Just like typical "fate mate" story, even if they always said that it's rare to find one, there always suddenly so many fate mate in the the story.
And at the end of the book the story almost seems like it been rushed, the ending almost feel like to be forced.
But so far I enjoy read it.
Hope there gonna be short story for the other couple, coz I like to read it.

Sorry for my bad English.
Profile Image for Sharon Gatus.
116 reviews
May 22, 2020
Glorious

This trilogy was so very good, the world the characters lived in and the trials and tribulations they went through was exciting and the love the family created was just lovely. Lisa Oliver can always be counted on to take you away to new and exciting places, to show you what love between mates should be like. Just glorious.
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,029 reviews5 followers
January 25, 2023
The last of the Necromancer's Smile books cements the relationship between Sy and Dakar even though it seems only their found family fully excepts their mating. Themes in the book are darker. Child abuse and a demon set to take over the world. Lot going on, lots of action. Makes it a quick read. And Sy and Dakar are a well matched couple.
59 reviews
March 21, 2020
Great ending

This book was a great ending to this series. I loved how Sy continued to come into his own and realize how powerful he was. I liked getting to hear more about Brock. She tied up all the loose ends and gave the boys their time of peace.
Profile Image for Grace Fitzpatrick.
98 reviews
October 30, 2021
I didn't know...

That I would be so engrossed in the trilogy about St and Dakar, that I could not stop reading until I read the lady of their story. I laughed, got upset and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Bravo Lisa Oliver for another great reading material.
Profile Image for Jangler.
1,006 reviews7 followers
February 14, 2022
Enjoyable

I enjoyed this ending to the series, though there were parts I wasn't sure about particularly the fight between Balthazar and Sy. I mean Sy was supposed to be practically invisible but he wasnt, anyway I still enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Linda.
80 reviews
November 20, 2020
Enjoyed this series

Liked this series very much. Highly recommend. I look forward to reading more by this excellent author. Thank you Lisa for your wonderful imagination.
Profile Image for Teresa.
3,950 reviews41 followers
April 21, 2024
Great ending!!I liked the action, the danger, and the love. I think there was a lot of growth in the characters and their relationships!
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,339 reviews
August 2, 2025
The in-laws are also problematic, although they maaay have redeemed themselves at the end. A fast moving story, where a lot happens and a good night’s sleep is the stuff of dreams.
Profile Image for Donna.
613 reviews10 followers
December 5, 2019
4.5 STARS

I’ve read a lot of Lisa Oliver’s work, ever since I discovered my love of shifters and magic. However, I feel pretty confident in proclaiming The Necromancer’s Smile to be my absolute favourite of her series. And of course, this is the one that is set up as a trilogy rather than one of this author’s never ending series! When the author announced this trilogy, I thought – sure, Leese (not that I personally know this author, but she seems really nice so I’m sure I’d call her Leese) sure, Leese, you’re totally going to stick to just three books, just like all those standalones that end up as series… But it’s done! Trilogy complete, and while I seriously hope that we see at least a novella pop up starring a certain gargoyle and his wolfy mate, Sy and Dakar’s story really did finish nicely here. Actually, it was a perfect ending to their story, so kudos to the author for sticking to her plan, but I’m really going to miss my fave, sassy necromancer.

This book lacked the tension between the mates that the previous two books dealt with, in fact I loved the way that Dakar stepped up and got over his ego when it came to his crazy powerful necromancer mate. While there was plenty of fuckery that needed to be faced by our guys, our core characters were finally working as a cohesive kickass unit that was unstoppable in its awesomeness. But as perfect as Sy and Dakar were here, and as much as I love them together, I loved the way that in the end Sy and Brock were there doing their thing just like they did at the beginning of the series. I couldn’t have imagined a better ending to this trilogy, with the author bombarding us with supernatural creatures who end up in a battle of good vs. evil.

I definitely recommend The Necromancer’s Smile trilogy anyone who loves stories featuring shifters, magic users and other supernatural creatures. Start with the first book and you’ll quickly be devouring the rest of the series.

Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2019/11/1...



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Profile Image for Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡.
1,550 reviews104 followers
September 27, 2019
It's been quite a wait for Sy and Dakar to have their HEA. I myself did a re read in order to remember where we left off. It was a smart idea as book 3 picks up right there. Also it's never a hardship when I know how much I enjoyed them the first time around.

Lots of drama and even more battles going on in this one. I feel Sy and Dakar were much stronger as a couple in this one and didn't waver as much with everything tbrown at them. They finally started to trust and believe in one another. It took 3 books but those two ended up quite solid.

We see plenty of new and old side characters. It's always fun to check in with our young members of the pack. Connor the familiar,who is a favorite of mine, is promised to be followed up in a short so keep an eye out for that. A certain gargoyle and teenage wolf have already seen people asking for their HEA. I admit I would love to read it.

This book wraps up the trilogy. It was a fun three books. As always I look forward to what is next with Lisa Oliver.
Profile Image for DoaJaneoDoe.
266 reviews
December 21, 2019

I re-read first two before continuing on this one.


I'm not sure if it's because of re-read of books I already re-read but in this round #2 is my favorite. 


I liked this book but, and I do apologise to author, ending was a bit rushed over for me (maybe it'll change next time I reread all 3).  I love surprise with Brock .



Profile Image for SophiaH.
592 reviews12 followers
January 1, 2020
OMG I love love love this series! The story gets better and better from one to the next book. It is beautiful to see Dakar and Sy evolve in grow. Lisa Oliver really is a master in her craft!

This story revolves around the abduction of Connor, a young familiar who was forced bonded and lives in the Necromancer's mansion now (first seen in The Necromancer's Smile). Things start to get downhill from there on out. It is also not helpfull when Dakars family shows up and start to interfere in Dakar and Sy's relationship. But Dakar and Sy have learned from past mistakes and their bond is stronger than ever.

Thumbs up for Lisa Oliver! Please keep on writing the way you do now!
Profile Image for FairyG.
401 reviews
October 24, 2019
Trilogies for the win

This is the 3rd book in the trilogy and shouldn't be read without the other two.

Already a fan of Lisa's books but loved the longer, deeper, story of one couple that this trilogy affords and the final books allows all these threads to come together.

The Shifter and Magical worlds collide with the mating of this couple. The preconceptions and ignorances each of their cultures show deep, sometimes hidden prejudices that try to rationalise away what the fates had deemed absolute. Set that against a backdrop of princes, shifters, powerful magic users, interfering family members, demons, ghosts, a few murders and a job at the police station and we have a fun three books.
Profile Image for Kaye.
742 reviews3 followers
September 23, 2019
This has been well worth the wait.

The series is well-developed and the final instalment has built on that and the introduction of a few minor characters has added great depth to the book.

Sy and Dakar's HEA has been a long time coming given the many challenges and obstacles along the way but with a lot of support, friendships and the desire to right many wrongs and evil doing this has made it an enjoyable series and read.

I would definitely recommend all 3 books if having not already done so.

As ever, always ready to devour more from Lisa but especially keen for Baby's book! 😉
Profile Image for John-Torleif  Harris.
2,725 reviews12 followers
October 2, 2019
Delightful

I loved that every major decision in this book was made as a unit. There was some danger of people going off on their own to sacrifice themselves for the love of the others, but I liked that Sy, Dakar, Brock, and Brad worked as a unit.

I do have to wonder if Dakar will need to train his ability to tap Sy's abilities now that he knows it's possible. Will Brad discover similar things with his bind to Brock? And since they're all basically immortal, are they stick with their new jobs for eternity? Or is there some way for them to eventually retire?
Profile Image for Ally Lupold.
234 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2019
Loved the series especially with the audible in the first two books.

Hated seeing the end of this magical and shifter dynamic we know frogs mate was the new gargoyle captain. But would love reading their story, along with Connor and his witch mate. I'm going to miss Sy, Dakar, Brad, and Brock. This trilogy is a magnificent read. When the third book came out I listened to the 1st and 2nd before reading the third. I hope it comes out with an audible book also. If you love m/m mates, magic, demon fights, mystery, ect. You will love this trilogy it is a excellent must read!
Profile Image for Morgan  Skye.
2,775 reviews28 followers
February 25, 2020
This was a nice addition to the series. I found the parents to be tedious and not necessarily believable. I loved learning more about Sy and I loved seeing the full extent of his powers. There is a lot of excitement and not a super lot of romance in this, but it is still sweet and fun.

I don't think you can read this as a standalone but if you've started the series you'll want to read this and you'll enjoy it!

Recommended!

4 stars
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